Brand New to SW, first tank ideas.

[martinipro]

Hi all:

I'm brand new to this and looking into start my first saltwater tank.
As I have no much experience I was thinking about going with an AIO system.
Ideally I want it to be a reef system but I'm open to suggestions.

I have 2 options:
Oceanic Biocube 29g HQI
Red Sea Max 130D 34g

I have put a list of fish together, thoughts?
1 x Flame angel
1 x Black saddleback clownfish
1 x Some other clownfish (tomato, Picasso, maroon)?
1 x Spotted Mandarin
1 x Royal Gramma
1 x Bennett's sharp nose puffer

I'm thinking around 30lbs of Fiji LR and 20 lbs of live sand.
Still unsure about a cleaning crew, anemones, corals.

This tank would be upgraded within 2 years, so I'm not worried my fish outgrowing it by then.

Input would be appreciated

 

[SinkNSwim]

I would go with the redsea 130D since its a bit bigger and their filtration system is better. I think you should pass up on the Bennett's sharp nose puffer but the rest of the livestock on your list looks fine.

 

[mbingha]

I wouldn't mix clown species in that size tank, no puffer will be reef safe since all your inverts will become expensive snacks, and keep in mind, the smaller the tank the more difficult it is to keep up. Imho you should look into 50+ gallons and do your research on the set up. AIO tanks aren't all they are cracked up to be. I have a nano cube, and while they claim its reef ready out of the box. I've spent almost a grand on other equipment to make it sufficient (chiller is almost a must for hqi on a closed canopy AIO, skimmer, New filter media holder, power heads, etc). Putting your own system is honestly no more expensive. Good luck, you've come to the right place for questions!

 

[martinipro]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Aww I really wanted the puffer. Any recommendations instead of the puffer?Looking for something bold and colorful.
I may go with 2 of the same type of clown then. Either black saddlebacks or picasso.

I will definitely move to a bigger tank in 1-2 years. Its not only money but space issue so for now it will have to be either of the 29 or 34 cubes.

Any thoughts on Anemones , Cleaners and Corals?
Types/Quantities?

 

[SinkNSwim]

If you want something bold in color try wrasses or jawfish. For corals it really depends on what you are into. There's sps, lps and more to choose from. For starting out I would recommend getting mushrooms or any other soft corals since they are very resilient to water changes.

 

[martinipro]

Hmm a blue spotted jawfish would work and Ill do my research regarding Corals.
How about the cleaning crew? I was thinking some Fire Shrimp(2?) and a few Turbo Snails(2?) would that be enough?

Regarding the tank costs, the Oceanic Biocube 29g HQI is $300 cheaper than he RedSeaMax is it even worth it?

 

[mbingha]

That's just a start for a clean up crew lol. I would stick with one turbo snail. I'd get about 15-20 nasserus (sp?) and/or certh snails to help clean up detritus in a 30 gallon.

 

[tallball158]

Honestly if the money is not an issue, I would go with the Red Sea Max. It is a nicer set up then the BioCube.

 

[martinipro]

Any other shrimp I can add that would not conflict with the Fire Shrimp?

 

[tfrechette]

Had the biocube as my first tank. Upgraded it after 6 months. I found the lid to be a pain.

I think it's more fun to build your own.

Good luck!

 

[robotman]

Any other shrimp I can add that would not conflict with the Fire Shrimp?

ive seen my peppermint and cleaner shrimp due fine with my fire shrimp, they have theyre own spots